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Premera Blue Cross Expands Access to Behavioral Health Care

As the seasons change and families transition back to school and work, the stressors of increased schedules and shorter days can weigh heavily. This time of year typically sees a notable rise in demand for behavioral health support, prompting Premera Blue Cross to expand their access to care through various new digital initiatives, a larger provider network, and community partnerships aimed at enhancing the affordability and availability of such services.

Recognition of Seasonal Challenges

Dr. Romilla Batra, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Premera Blue Cross, acknowledges that this period can be particularly difficult for families and younger individuals. She states, "We want our members to know that when they're ready to ask for help, care is available."

Indeed, the prevalence of mental health issues is significant, with data from the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) indicating that one in five adults faces some form of mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder. Additionally, approximately 17% of youth between ages six and 17 are similarly affected. The seasonal shift exacerbates these challenges, as a recent poll revealed that 41% of Americans report worsened moods in winter, with 27% indicating symptoms of depression. Consequently, there's an urgent need for accessible and timely behavioral health support during colder months.

Expanding Access to Care

In response to this pressing demand, Premera has taken substantial steps to enhance accessibility to behavioral health care:

Growth of Provider Network

The expansion of Premera's behavioral health provider network has been significant, with a remarkable 48% increase in Washington over the past five years, representing nearly 4,000 new healthcare professionals across various specializations. In Alaska, the network has seen an impressive growth of 71% since 2020.

Digital Platform Enhancements

Members of Premera’s network enjoy flexible access to a variety of services, including therapy, psychiatry, and medication management through reputable partners such as Spring Health, Rula, Headway, and Talkspace. These services are available through different channels, such as video or phone consultations, and even text-based therapy in the case of Talkspace. Although the specific offerings depend on the partner and region, many features include nationwide services, online scheduling, and a commitment to provide appointment times within two to three days. This diverse array of options promotes the delivery of high-quality, individualized care to members.

Personalized Member Support

Premera’s Personal Health Support Program offers members direct access to a dedicated team of personal health support clinicians, which includes licensed mental health professionals. This program's approach focuses on:

• - Evaluating the holistic health of a member, taking into consideration both physical and mental conditions.
• - Facilitating timely connections to appropriate mental health care tailored to unique member needs.
• - Ensuring that members have access to primary care providers who can address both mental and physical health challenges.
• - Linking members to community resources to address various barriers such as financial strains, transportation, and social needs.

These professionals also track each member's progress to ensure the improvement of their mental health.

Collaboration with Kinwell Clinics

In partnership with Kinwell Medical Group, which runs 16 clinics throughout Washington and offers statewide virtual care services, Premera members can seamlessly integrate mental health concerns with their primary care visits. This collaborative approach mitigates barriers to receiving necessary diagnoses and care, supporting patients across various age groups.

Matchmaker™ Program for Behavioral Health

Premera has implemented the Matchmaker™ program, providing members with customized lists of in-network behavioral health clinicians who are currently accepting new patients. This resource is free for members who have access through their plan, allowing for personalized matches based on specific requirements. The program has demonstrated growth, with 2,700 members receiving support nationally in 2024, compared to 800 in the previous year.

Community-Based Care Integration

Furthering its commitment to improving mental health outcomes, Premera is partnering with the AIMS Center at the University of Washington School of Medicine. Funding has been allocated to clinics that cater to a greater percentage of Black and African American patients to implement the Collaborative Care model that integrates mental health support into existing primary health care.

A Strong Commitment to Behavioral Health

The challenges associated with behavioral health issues impact all generations—from teenagers managing the pressures of a new school year, to parents balancing their work and family commitments, to adults experiencing changes in mood due to seasonal transitions. By leveraging digital innovation, expanding their provider network, and establishing targeted partnerships within communities, Premera is committed to closing the critical gaps in behavioral health care.

Dr. Batra emphasizes, "The need for behavioral health support is growing, and we're rising to meet it. Whether it's a teenager battling anxiety or a parent overwhelmed by daily stress, Premera is committed to ensuring they can access affordable and quality help. Because, ultimately, no one should navigate their mental health journey alone."

For additional information on how Premera Blue Cross is reshaping mental and behavioral health care, visit their dedicated Mental Health page.